Timbers see first preseason action Saturday

March 13, 20098:30 AM PDT

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Timbers play their first preseason match of 2009 on Saturday when they face Major League Soccer’s San Jose Earthquakes at Buck Shaw Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.

Saturday’s match caps the Timbers’ first week of preseason; the team began its preseason training camp on Monday.

Portland’s roster features several new players, including goalkeeper Steve Cronin, defender Dieumerci Vua, midfielders Keith Savage and Tony McManus and forwards Jason McLaughlin and George Josten.

The Earthquakes wrap up their preseason schedule on Saturday. San Jose is 5-1-0 in preseason contests against non-collegiate teams, and its backline has recorded four shutouts in preseason action. Forwards Cam Weaver and Ryan Johnson have each scored four goals to pace the team in preseason scoring. The Earthquakes open the 2009 MLS regular season March 21.

The Timbers and Earthquakes squared off in a preseason match last year in Portland, with the Earthquakes capturing a 2-1 victory on March 28. Since 2001, the Timbers are 1-3-0 in four meetings against San Jose. Portland is 3-4-0 all-time against MLS clubs.

Portland’s preseason schedule continues March 20, when it plays host to the New York Red Bulls of MLS at the University of Portland’s Clive Charles Soccer Complex at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased through the UP and PGE Park box offices, area Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.ticketmaster.com or by phoning 1-800-745-3000.

The Timbers open their ninth USL First Division campaign April 25 on the road against the Vancouver Whitecaps. The team makes its 2009 PGE Park debut on April 30 when it plays host to the Carolina RailHawks at 7 p.m. Season tickets and a variety of convenient and affordable ticket packages are currently available. For more information, contact the Timbers ticket office at (503) 553-5555 or visit www.portlandtimbers.com.